Math Problem Statement

The diagonal of a parallelogram forms two congruent triangles. Given: Parallelogram ABCD with diagonal BD. Prove that △ABD ≅ △CDB.

Solution

Let's walk through the proof based on the given image.

Given:

  • ABCDABCD is a parallelogram with diagonal BDBD.
  • ABD\triangle ABD and CDB\triangle CDB are the triangles to prove as congruent.

To Prove:

  • ABDCDB\triangle ABD \cong \triangle CDB.

Hint:

  • First prove the lines are parallel, then prove the triangles are congruent without using Theorem 32.

Proof (Two-Column Format)

StatementsReasons
1. ABCDABCD is a parallelogram.1. Given
2. ABCD,ADBC\overline{AB} \parallel \overline{CD}, \overline{AD} \parallel \overline{BC}2. Opposite sides of a parallelogram are parallel.
3. BD=BD\overline{BD} = \overline{BD}3. Reflexive property (a shared side).
4. ABD=CDB\angle ABD = \angle CDB and ADB=CBD\angle ADB = \angle CBD4. Alternate interior angles formed by transversal BDBD and parallel sides ABCDAB \parallel CD and ADBCAD \parallel BC.
5. ABDCDB\triangle ABD \cong \triangle CDB5. By ASA (Angle-Side-Angle) congruence criterion.

Explanation:

  • In this proof, we first identify that ABCDABCD is a parallelogram, which immediately gives us that opposite sides ABCDAB \parallel CD and ADBCAD \parallel BC are parallel.
  • BDBD is a common side (reflexive property), so both triangles share it.
  • Since the opposite sides are parallel, the angles formed with diagonal BDBD (angles ABDABD and CDBCDB, as well as ADBADB and CBDCBD) are congruent due to the alternate interior angles theorem.
  • Using the ASA (Angle-Side-Angle) postulate, we conclude that ABDCDB\triangle ABD \cong \triangle CDB.

Do you want further clarification or more details on any of the steps? Here are 5 related questions to extend this topic:

  1. How does the reflexive property help in proving congruence in triangles?
  2. What other triangle congruence criteria could be used in different problems (e.g., SSS, SAS)?
  3. Can you explain the significance of alternate interior angles in proving congruence?
  4. What properties of parallelograms are useful in proving other geometric theorems?
  5. How would the proof change if ABCDABCD were not a parallelogram?

Tip: Always look for shared sides or angles between triangles, as this often simplifies congruence proofs!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangle Congruence
Parallelograms
Transversals

Formulas

-

Theorems

Alternate Interior Angles Theorem
ASA (Angle-Side-Angle) Congruence Criterion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10